Brunch Links: March 17

Not a cloud in the sky today. High of 58, low of 37. There are bikinis out on Bascom Hill, so you won't be the only person tanning or gawking if you head out there. For brunch I have but a couple of homemade pizzas that I believe my brother made.

Council defeats ordinance which would allow certain city committees to introduce legislation without the sponsorship of an alder or the mayor. (Note: Most committees are made up mostly of "citizen" appointees that's just how the city works)

Steve Nass finally shows up and cross-examines Jeff Wood, who he seeks to expel from the Assembly after three OWIs in the last year. I really didn't predict this but it appears that legislature Dems are going to stand up for Woods. Granted, I recently asked a friend from Wood's district what her parents thought about the issue. "They're very pro-drunk driving," she responded.

I didn't know until relatively recently that you had to have a certain income to have access to a public defender. That ain't right. But it's good that the state at least updated the income regulations, so that poor people will have access to a proper defense (at least in theory).

Journal-Sentinel has article on "Lobbyists cashing in despite recession." It makes sense. When the economy sucks and government spending is high, it's a good bet to invest in government. Companies, cities etc. are trying desperately to get stimulus money, and they're paying to have their voices heard.